Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
Today we remember St. Benedict. Benedict is considered the “Patriarch of Western Monasticism.” His famous ‘Rule’ became the foundation for monastic life. The ‘Rule’ is a guide for everything and details what is required to live a life dedicated to God. This dedication demands a person give their whole being over to the Lord and to the care community life. The framework of Benedict’s ‘Rule’ has been used since that time to create the ‘Rules of Life’ for most western church religious orders
Even the best framework for life can be derailed if it no longer is coupled to a faithful relationship to Christ.
There was a monastery whose numbers were dwindling. The members thought they were faithful enough. They said their prayers regularly. They went about their days doing the service required of them and attending Mass daily. Still their monastery membership was shrinking; as monks died none came to replace them.
A Spiritual Master came to visit their community. During his time with the monks, the Masters heart became renewed and his spirit grew more grateful. Just prior to the Masters departure one of the Monks asked him, “What made your spirit so filled with joy?” The Master replied that he met the Lord living among them. At this, each of the monks hearts leapt for joy, for the Messiah was living in their midst.
From that day forward, the spirit of the Monks changed. They could barely contain their joy, each thinking, “Is Brother Andrew the Messiah or could it be Brother John?” Each monk in their own way realized they had to be more dedicated to their care for one another as Christ was in their midst. Each day, joy grew among their members, as one grew more charitable and more gracious with one another. And the Lord added to their numbers. As each new member came they shared their desire was to live close to the Messiah. The monastery came to be known the house of the Lord for Christ was truly in their midst.
The readings today remind us to seek the Lord always. Consider your current faith journey; are you just going through the motions? Is the Lord the foundation of your whole life? Have you made other things or people the Lord of your life?
Lord, help us to seek Your face in all that we do, so that You become the sole foundation of our lives. Then our lives will bear witness to You who live and reign one God forever and ever. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery